Bring the Taste of Oak Island Home: Cooking Fresh Local Seafood
One of our favorite ways to enjoy Oak Island is by bringing home a taste of the coast! Whether you’re visiting for the week or lucky enough to own a beach home rental on Oak Island, cooking fresh local seafood is a must. On our last trip, we picked up fresh black drum from Haag and Son’s Seafood, a local gem where the fish is so fresh you actually have to wait while it’s being cut—an experience in itself!
**Shopping for Fresh Local Seafood**
When buying fresh seafood, we suggest half a pound per person. For our family of four, that meant we walked away with two pounds of black drum—a light, flaky white fish that the whole family enjoys. One of the best parts? You can cook it fresh while you’re still at the beach house or freeze it for later to relive those coastal memories at home!
If you choose to bring it home like we did, just freeze it right away. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it quickly by placing it in warm water in the sink or letting it sit on the counter for a few hours.
**Easy Baked Black Drum Recipe**
This simple, delicious recipe lets the fresh flavor of the fish shine—no need for heavy sauces or complicated techniques!
**Ingredients:**
– 2 lbs fresh black drum (or any flaky white fish)
– Olive oil
– Seafood Magic seasoning blend (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
– 1 fresh lemon (half for juice, half sliced for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place fish on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Spritz both sides with olive oil and season generously with Seafood Magic.
4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, then place lemon slices on top of the fillets.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
No need to cover with foil—this fish stays moist and tender on its own!
**The Perfect Side Dishes:**
**Roasted Seasonal Veggies**
We love adding local, seasonal vegetables to our meal. This time, we used what we had in the freezer for a mix of flavors and colors.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb mixed veggies (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 clove minced garlic
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Toss veggies with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread evenly on a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet.
3. Roast alongside the fish. While veggies ideally cook at 350°F, we roasted them at 400°F for convenience, and they turned out great!
**Kiawah Seabrook Spicy Rice**
This is one of our favorite sides, and you can grab a bag at Haggen Sun’s Seafood or order online from Save The Flavor SC. It’s got just the right kick to complement the fish!
**Instructions:**
1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil with 2 tbsp butter.
2. Stir in rice, reduce heat, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
3. Cover, simmer for 25 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
**Enjoy a Taste of Oak Island—Wherever You Are**
This meal is perfect whether you’re still on Oak Island, relaxing at your beach home rental, or back home reminiscing about your coastal getaway. It’s an easy, delicious way to bring the flavors of the island to your own table!
If you’re planning a trip to Oak Island with family, make sure to stop by Haag & Son’s Seafood for the freshest catch. And if you’re